Contact Us & FAQs – Altria (2024)

A:Visit theAnnual ReportandSEC Filingswebpages.

A:To request printed copies please contact Investor Relations at 1-804-484-8222.Shareholders can also consent to receive future annual reports and proxy materials electronically.

A:Computershare is the transfer agent for Altria Group, Inc. You may access theComputersharewebsite, or you may call toll-free 1-800-442-0077 in the United States and Canada. From outside the United States and Canada, shareholders may call 1-781-575-3572.

A:Please visit thewebpage for answers to these questions.

A:RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is a technology that allows you to receive up-to-date news from different websites, delivered directly to one screen on your computer. RSS also automatically highlights new headlines so that you do not have to refresh your screen each time. To receive Altria Group updates, subscribe to the RSS feeds from Altria.com.

A:Altria Group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the ticker symbol "MO".

A:Altria Group offers a Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan administered by our transfer agent, Computershare. You may access theComputersharewebsite, or you may call toll-free 1-800-442-0077 in the United States and Canada. From outside the United States and Canada, shareholders may call 1-781-575-3572.

A:Yes. We have posted ahistory of dividends and stock splitssince 1989. Dividends are declared and approved only at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

A:We invite you to viewa listof current board members and read their biographies.

A:Visit theMedia Contacts section.

A:Visit theInvestor Analysts section.

A:For information about Altria Group's spin-off of Philip Morris International, please see the Philip Morris International Spin-off Investor Information FAQs section on this page.

A:Altria Group's corporate headquarters are located at 6601 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230.

A:Viewa listof Altria Group operating companies. In addition, Altria Group currently holds a continuing economic and voting interest in SABMiller plc.

A:The merger closed on January 6, 2009.

A:Shareholders of UST received $69.50 in cash for each share of common stock held on January 6, 2009, the closing date of the merger. The transaction was valued at approximately $11.7 billion, which includes the assumption of approximately $1.3 billion of debt.

A:The Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 7, 2008 and Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 2, 2008 were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You may download the documents by visiting theSEC website.
You may also download the documents by visiting theAltria website.

A:As a result of the merger, UST common stock is no longer publicly traded. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 7, 2008 and amended on October 2, 2008, shareholders of UST are entitled to receive $69.50 in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes, for each share of UST common stock held on January 6, 2009, the effective date of the merger. For example, if you owned 100 shares of UST common stock on the closing date of the merger, you are entitled to receive $6,950 in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes, in exchange for your 100 shares of UST common stock.

A:In order to receive the cash payment of $69.50 per share, you needed to have held your shares of UST common stock on January 6, 2009, the closing date of the merger.

A:Computershare is the paying agent. As the paying agent, Computershare distributed the cash payment for shares of UST common stock. Registered shareholders received information from Computershare regarding their cash payment. Shareholders who held their shares through a bank or broker received information from their bank or broker. You may call Computershare toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. Shareholder representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754. Or by mail: Computershare P.O. Box 43014 Providence, RI 02940-3014

A:You may call Computershare, the paying agent, toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. Shareholder representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754. Or by mail: Computershare P.O. Box 43014 Providence, RI 02940-3014.

A:If your account did not have an accurate or updated taxpayer identification number (TIN), Computershare enclosed a Form W-9 with the Exchange Form. If Computershare did not include a Form W-9 and your cash payment is to be issued in the same name, you need take no further action to certify the TIN for the registered account. Under U.S. Federal income tax law, any person submitting the Exchange Form who has not previously certified the TIN relating to the registered account must provide to Computershare, the paying agent his, her or its correct TIN, and certify that such TIN is correct on the enclosed Form W-9. If such TIN is not provided, a penalty of $50.00 may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and payment of the merger consideration may be subject to backup withholding. The TIN to be provided is that of the person submitting the Exchange Form. The TIN for an individual is generally his or her social security number. Exempt persons (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to backup withholding and reporting requirements. A foreign individual may qualify as an exempt person by submitting a Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, certifying such individual's foreign status. That form can be obtained from Computershare. See the Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Form W-9 for additional instructions.

A:Shareholders may choose to reinvest their UST proceeds at their discretion and each individual should evaluate how best to use their funds.

A:As a result of the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009, no further dividends will be paid by UST.

• Account Information
• Registration changes (name change, transfer ownership, etc.)
• Address changes
• Direct Registration (electronic registration of shares)
• Replacing lost, stolen or destroyed certificates
• Other account maintenance-related questions

Shareholder representatives at Computershare are available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico or 781-575-2754 for shareholders outside of the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. If your question is not answered, please call the Altria Client Services Investor Relations number at 804-484-8222.

A:If shares of UST common stock were held through a bank or broker (i.e., in "street" name) at the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009, the bank or broker handled the exchange of shares. If UST share holdings were listed on the books of UST's transfer agent, Computershare (either in certificate form or electronically in book-entry form) at the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009, those shareholders received information directly from Computershare, who is also the paying agent. For additional information, UST shareholders who held shares through a bank or broker should contact their bank or broker directly with any specific questions regarding their account.

A:UST shareholders who held shares of UST common stock through a bank or broker (i.e., in "street" name) received information directly from their bank or broker regarding the cash payment for their shares of UST common stock. The timing of the notification can vary from institution to institution.

A:UST shareholders who hold shares of UST common stock in certificate form must surrender their stock certificates in order to receive the cash payment. Computershare, the paying agent, mailed a letter of transmittal and an exchange form containing detailed instructions to UST shareholders who hold shares of UST common stock in certificate form within approximately five business days following the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009.

If you want this information resent to you, please call Computershare toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico and request that a duplicate exchange form be mailed to you. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754. We urge you to act promptly because your UST stock certificates now represent only the right to receive the cash payment to which you are entitled, and no interest will accrue or be paid on such amount.

A:Shareholders who hold shares of UST common stock in certificate form should not return their stock certificates to Computershare, the paying agent, until they have received and completed an exchange form. A letter of transmittal and an exchange form containing detailed instructions was mailed to shareholders who held shares of UST common stock in certificate form within approximately five business days following the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009. Shareholders must complete the exchange form and return it along with their stock certificates and any other required materials in order to receive their cash payment. If you want this information resent to you, please call Computershare toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico and request that a duplicate exchange form be mailed to you. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754.

A:The UST common stock evidenced by the stock certificates you presently hold is no longer trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and only represents the right to receive the cash payment. Until you properly present your certificates for exchange you will not receive the cash payment. No interest will accrue or be paid on the cash entitlement, so you are encouraged to exchange your shares promptly by following the instructions in the material sent to you by Computershare. Any unexchanged UST shares may eventually be subject to applicable state abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.

A:A letter of transmittal and exchange form containing detailed instructions was mailed to shareholders who hold shares of UST common stock in certificate form within approximately five business days following the closing of the merger on January 6, 2009. If you want this information resent to you, please call Computershare toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico and request that a duplicate exchange form be mailed to you. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754.
Once you have completed and executed the exchange form and are ready to return it along with your UST stock certificates and any other required materials to Computershare, we recommend that you insure the return package for 3% of the value of the certificates, and send the return package via registered mail in the courtesy reply envelope that will be included in your packet or via overnight courier to the address listed on the reverse side of the exchange form. For example, if you own 100 shares of UST common stock, the value of your stock is $6,950. Three percent (3%) of the value of your stock is $208.50. Please retain copies of all documents mailed for your records until the cash exchange has been completed.

A:If your UST stock certificates were lost, stolen or destroyed, you must mark the appropriate box next to the missing stock certificates listed on the exchange form and complete Box A on the reverse side of the exchange form. You must enclose a check or money order made payable to "Computershare" for the surety fees to replace your stock certificates.

A:If your exchange form and stock certificates are lost in the mail, you should make every effort to track the package. If you are unable to track the package you will need to follow the steps and procedures for replacing stock certificates that are lost, stolen or destroyed. Lost, stolen or destroyed certificates are subject to surety fees for replacement. Please retain copies of all documents mailed for your records until the cash exchange has been completed.

A:You may call Computershare, the paying agent, toll-free at 866-963-6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico and request that a duplicate exchange form be mailed to you. Outside the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico you may call 781-575-2754.

A:You should receive a check for the cash payment approximately seven to ten business days after Computershare's receipt of your completed and executed exchange form and UST stock certificates.

A:UST common stock evidenced by the stock certificates you presently hold is no longer trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and only represents the right to receive the cash payment. Please note that no interest will accrue or be paid on the cash entitlement, so you are encouraged to exchange your shares promptly by following the instructions in the materials sent to you by Computershare. Any unexchanged UST shares may eventually be subject to applicable state abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.

A:If you are a registered UST shareholder, please call Computershare toll-free at 866-963- 6134 within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico or 781-575-2754 for shareholders outside of the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. UST shareholders who held shares through a bank or broker should contact their bank or broker directly with any specific questions regarding their account.

A:If you were a registered UST shareholder and want your cash payment mailed to a third party, such as your bank or broker, you must include those instructions on a separate sheet of paper, and have those instructions Medallion Guaranteed. Unless you indicate otherwise, any instructions provided will NOT change your address for other mailings that could occur in the future.

A:In the United States, a Medallion Guarantee is a special signature guarantee for the transfer of securities. It is a guarantee by the financial institution that the signature is genuine and the financial institution accepts liability for forgery. Medallion guarantees protect shareholders by preventing unauthorized transfers and possible investor losses. A Notary Public certification is not the same and is not acceptable for this purpose. This guarantee is normally obtained from selected banks or other financial institutions such as a broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity which is a member in good standing of the Securities Transfer Agents' Medallion Program ("STAMP"). Different institutions have different policies as to what type of identification they require to provide the guarantee and whether they charge a fee for such service. Most institutions would not guarantee a signature of someone who has not already been their customer

A:You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular consequences to you of the merger and related transactions, including the U.S. Federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of your shares. The receipt of cash by a U.S. holder in exchange for its shares of UST common stock pursuant to the merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. Federal income tax purposes (and also may be a taxable transaction under applicable state, local, foreign and other income tax laws). In general, a U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the amount of cash received by such holder in exchange for its shares of common stock and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. Gain or loss, as well as the holding period, will be determined separately for each block of shares of common stock surrendered for cash pursuant to the merger, with a block generally consisting of shares of common stock acquired at the same cost in a single transaction. If your shares of common stock are held as capital assets, such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of common stock have been held for more than one year at the effective time of the merger. Such gain or loss will generally be short-term capital gain or loss if at the effective time of the merger the shares of common stock have been held for one year or less. Individual and certain other non-corporate U.S. holders who recognize long-term capital gains are generally eligible for preferential rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Tax Basis Information

A:If you purchased your UST shares for cash, the tax basis for your UST shares would generally equal the cost of these shares including commissions or other fees. If you received your UST shares as a gift, through an employee compensation arrangement, or through some other means, we recommend that you consult your own tax advisor to determine your tax basis in these shares. If you acquired different blocks of stock at different times and different prices, you must determine your adjusted tax basis and holding period separately with respect to each block of stock.

UST Inc. historical price lookup.

A:Altria's Board of Directors and management believed that the Spin-off would enable each of Altria's international and domestic tobacco businesses to focus exclusively on realizing its own opportunities and addressing its own challenges, thereby building long-term shareholder value. Some of the benefits include an improved focus on the different market dynamics and competitive frameworks, a more optimal and efficient capital allocation, a greater financial flexibility, a greater transparency leading to the elimination of the sum-of-the-parts discount under which Altria's stock has typically traded, a reduction in corporate overhead, the creation of a potential acquisition currency in the form of a more focused equity, and a tighter alignment of compensation and rewards with the performance of each entity.

A:The spin off of PMI was subject to the receipt of a favorable ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the receipt of an opinion of tax counsel, the effectiveness of a registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the approval of the New York Stock Exchange to list the PMI shares, as well as the execution of several intercompany agreements and the finalization of other matters.

A: Declaration Date - January 30, 2008: Altria's Board authorized the spin off of PMI.

Record Date - March 19, 2008: Altria's shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on this date were entitled to receive one share of PMI stock for each share of Altria "regular way" stock owned, provided they retained the Altria shares through the Distribution Date.

Shortly after the Record Date: An Information Statement was mailed to shareholders of record as of the Record Date. The Information Statement provided details of the Spin-off, including the procedures by which the PMI stock was distributed.

Distribution Date - March 28, 2008: PMI shares were distributed to shareholders of record of Altria "regular way" stock that had been held through the Distribution Date.

A:Spinning off PMI was the best way to achieve our business objectives and to create value for Altria's shareholders. A U.S. tax free distribution of shares in PMI was the most tax efficient way to separate the companies.

A:The number of shares of Altria stock that you own did not change as a result of the Spin-off, but the dollar value of those shares changed. On the Distribution Date, Altria's shareholders received one share of PMI stock for each share of Altria stock that they owned as of the Record Date. The market value of each Altria share, however, declined to reflect the impact of the Spin-off.

A:In connection with the Spin-off, Altria and PMI entered into a number of agreements that govern the Spin-off and the relationship between the companies.

A:The Record Date was March 19, 2008, and ownership was determined as of 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on that date.

A:Shares of PMI stock were distributed on March 28, 2008. We refer to this date as the Distribution Date.

A:Centerview Partners, Lehman Brothers, Hunton & Williams and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan advised the Board and management. Additionally, Citibank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase were advisors to management.

A:The ratio was 1:1. Altria distributed one share of PMI stock for each share of Altria stock outstanding as of the Record Date for the Spin-off.

A:Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is PMI's transfer agent. You may call Computershare toll-free at 1-877-745-9350 within the U.S. and Canada. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, you may call 1-781-575-4310.

A:The Spin-off was subject to the receipt of a favorable ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the effectiveness of a registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the approval of the New York Stock Exchange to list the PMI shares.

A:Altria received a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and an opinion of tax counsel that the distribution of PMI stock to Altria shareholders was tax free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular consequences of the Spin-off to you.

A:Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to tax on the distribution of shares in jurisdictions other than the U.S. In this regard, Altria has received advice from some foreign tax authorities and advisors, and anticipates that the Spin-off will be tax free in Canada and Sweden, but subject to tax in Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland. Altria is awaiting final advice from the U.K. tax authorities. Contrary to Altria's News Release of January 30, 2008, Altria has subsequently received advice that the Spin-off will be subject to tax in Norway. The foregoing is general information and does not constitute tax advice. It is extremely important that shareholders consult their tax advisor regarding the particular consequences of the Spin-off in their situation, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws.

A:Please refer to theDistribution of Philip Morris International Inc. Common Stock of Altria Group, Inc. Shareholder Tax Basis Information Statementfor assistance with computing your tax basis.

A:The Kraft Spin-off was valued at approximately $46.1 billion based on the closing price on March 30, 2007, for Kraft of $31.66 per share and 1,455,000,000 Kraft shares distributed by Altria. The distribution of 88.9% of Kraft's outstanding shares owned by Altria was made on March 30, 2007, to Altria's shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 16, 2007 (the Record Date).

On the Distribution Date, Altria distributed 0.692024 of a share of Kraft stock for each share of Altria stock outstanding as of the Record Date, based on the number of Altria shares outstanding on that date. For amounts of less than one share, Altria's shareholders received cash in lieu of a fractional share of Kraft. The Distribution Ratio of 0.692024 was determined on the Record Date.

A: January 31, 2007 - Altria's Board authorized the Kraft Spin-off of Altria's ownership interest in Kraft Foods Inc..

March 16, 2007 - Altria shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on this date (the Record Date) became entitled to receive 0.692024 of a share of Kraft stock for each share of Altria stock owned.

March 20, 2007 - An Information Statement was mailed to shareholders of record of Altria stock as of the Record Date. The Information Statement provided details about the Kraft Spin-off, including the procedures by which the Kraft stock was distributed.

March 30, 2007 - Kraft shares were distributed to shareholders of record of Altria stock that was held through the Distribution Date.

A:In connection with the Kraft Spin-off, Altria entered into certain agreements with Kraft to define responsibility for obligations arising before and after the Kraft Spin-off including, among others, obligations relating to employees, certain transition services and taxes.

A:The number of shares of Altria stock that you own did not change as a result of the Spin-off, but the dollar value of those shares did. On the Distribution Date, Altria's shareholders received 0.692024 of a share of Kraft stock for each share of Altria stock that they owned. The fair market value of each Altria share, however, was adjusted to reflect the Kraft Spin-off, and hence, the loss of the value of the Kraft stock.

A:Fractional shares of Kraft stock were not issued. If you were entitled to receive a fractional share of Kraft stock in the Kraft Spin-off, you received a taxable cash payment in lieu of the fractional share.

A:The number of shares of Altria held by a shareholder did not change. On the Distribution Date, Altria's shareholders received 0.692024 of a share of Kraft stock for each share of Altria stock that they owned. The fair market value of each Altria share, however, was adjusted to reflect the Kraft Spin-off, and hence, the loss of the value of the Kraft stock.

A:Registered holders of Altria stock who were entitled to receive the distribution should have received a book-entry account statement reflecting their ownership of Kraft stock. A cash payment in lieu of fractional shares should have been mailed along with the statements. For additional information, registered shareholders should contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, Kraft's (now Mondelez International, Inc.) transfer agent. You may call Wells Fargo Shareowner Services toll-free at 1-866-655-7238 from within the U.S. and Canada. Outside the U.S. and Canada, you may call 1-651-450-4064. Holders of Altria stock who hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee should direct questions regarding the distribution to their broker, bank or other nominee.

A:No action is required. You should retain your Altria stock certificates.

A:No governmental approvals were required to complete the Kraft Spin-off.

A:Altria received an opinion from outside legal counsel to the effect that the Kraft Spin-off would be tax free to its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Kraft stock. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular consequences of the Kraft Spin-off to you, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax laws.

A:Altria provided information to enable its U.S. shareholders to calculate the tax basis in both Altria and Kraft shares. This information was posted on our Web site on April 4, 2007.

A:Unfortunately, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions may choose to subject this type of corporate reorganization to taxation even though the distribution of Kraft Foods Inc. common shares is not taxable under U.S. federal laws. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular consequences of the Kraft Spin-off to you, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. Federal, state and local and foreign tax laws.

A:Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has determined that the Kraft Spin-off is tax free for Canadian shareholders and has been approved for the purposes of section 86.1 of the Income Tax Act. To view the CRA's decision, please visit the Agency's Web site.

A:Wells Fargo Shareowner Services is Kraft's (now Mondelez International, Inc.) transfer agent. You may call Wells Fargo Shareowner Services toll-free at 1-866-655-7238 within the U.S. and Canada. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, you may call 1-651-450-4064.